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The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has taken stringent action against the unauthorised listing and sale of walkie-talkies on e-commerce platforms, imposing monetary penalties on leading online marketplaces after identifying large-scale violations of consumer protection and telecom regulations.
The action follows a suo motu investigation into the online sale of walkie-talkies, also known as Personal Mobile Radios (PMRs), which revealed more than 16,900 non-compliant product listings across multiple digital platforms. The Authority found that several of these devices were being sold without mandatory statutory approvals, disclosures or licensing information, exposing consumers to legal and safety risks.
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Notices were issued to 13 e-commerce entities, including Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, JioMart, Meta (Facebook Marketplace), Talk Pro, Chimiya, MaskMan Toys, India Mart, TradeIndia, Antriksh Technologies, Vardaanmart and Krishna Mart. Following hearings and examination of records, final orders were passed in eight cases, while proceedings against the remaining platforms are at various stages of investigation.
According to the CCPA, many platforms facilitated the sale of walkie-talkies operating on restricted and sensitive radio frequency bands, including the Ultra High Frequency (UHF) spectrum, which is also used by police, emergency services and disaster response agencies. These devices were often marketed as “license-free” or “100% legal”, despite requiring government approval for import, sale and use in India.
Investigations revealed that critical information was routinely omitted from product listings, including the operating frequency range, licensing requirements and certification status. In several instances, walkie-talkies were sold as toys but advertised with communication ranges extending up to 30 kilometres, far beyond the scope of toy-grade or licence-exempt devices. Such omissions, the Authority noted, deprived consumers of the ability to make informed purchasing decisions.
Under Indian law, the sale, import and use of walkie-talkies are regulated by the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933, and the 2018 rules governing low-power and very low-power radio frequency devices. Only devices operating strictly within the 446.0–446.2 MHz frequency band are exempt from licensing, and even these require mandatory Equipment Type Approval (ETA) certification from the Department of Telecommunications before being sold in India.
The CCPA held that failure to comply with these requirements amounts to misleading advertisement, unfair trade practice and deficiency in service under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and also violates the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020.
In platform-specific findings, the Authority observed widespread lapses in due diligence. Several marketplaces allowed large volumes of walkie-talkie sales without verifying regulatory compliance or ensuring that sellers disclosed mandatory information. In one case, tens of thousands of units were sold where the frequency range was either undisclosed or fell outside the licence-exempt spectrum. In another, platforms continued to host listings despite earlier removals, indicating weak preventive controls.
The Authority rejected the argument put forward by some platforms that they function only as intermediaries and are not responsible for third-party seller listings. It clarified that platforms enabling the discovery, promotion and sale of regulated products cannot evade accountability unless they demonstrate effective verification and compliance mechanisms.
As part of the enforcement action, the CCPA imposed penalties of ₹10 lakh each on Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho and Meta Platforms Inc, and ₹1 lakh each on Chimiya, JioMart, Talk Pro and MaskMan Toys. Several entities have already paid the penalties, while recovery from others is underway.
Beyond penalties, the Authority has directed all platforms to ensure that walkie-talkies and other radio equipment are not listed or sold without required government approvals. E-commerce entities have been instructed to conduct regular self-audits, publish compliance certifications and deploy automated systems to detect and remove illegal listings.
The CCPA also flagged the public safety and national security implications of unauthorised radio devices, noting that such equipment can interfere with critical communication systems used by law-enforcement and emergency services.
Reiterating its mandate, the Authority said consumers rely heavily on online product descriptions and specifications, and misleading listings undermine trust in digital marketplaces while exposing buyers to legal and regulatory consequences. The CCPA affirmed its commitment to safeguarding consumer rights, curbing unfair trade practices and ensuring a transparent and law-compliant e-commerce ecosystem.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
